Tag Archives: Rehearsal

Springtime marks the end of the year for many studios, and to celebrate it’s common to showcase what the students have learned in a performance. To a beginner student, preparing for a first show is a mix of emotions. They are excited to get a costume, be on stage, and dance for all their friends and family. On the other hand, many begin to feel overwhelmed trying to remember the dance, be in the right spot, and smile at the same time. So, how can you help your child from feeling the pressures of their first show? Here’s a list I’ve put together for parents.

1. Get a copy of the music – As soon as your child starts learning the dance get a copy of the music to allow them to start picking up cues and understand the rhythm.

2. Videotape the dance – With many beginners only attending once a week, it can be difficult to remember the choreography. Ask the teacher if you can videotape the dance at the end of class to help them remember what they learned.

3. Don’t let them miss any classes – Missing students make rehearsals hard for everyone, especially the other students. Choreography for group classes tend to rely on the spacing and shapes of the group as a whole. A missing link can cause mass confusion.

4. Arrange a play date with other classmates – Getting the dancers together will inevitably lead to a dance party, which eventually prompts a dancerehearsal. Plus, it’s a fun way to keep everyone motivated.

5. Stay positive – Let your child know you’re excited to see them perform and encourage them through the process. As my mom always said to me, “Go do your best and have fun!”